PRO FOOTBALL / THE NFL OPENERS : Rocky Road Awaits Them : Raiders: Schroeder, who had 16 passes intercepted last season, hopes he can rekindle his game in opener against Broncos today.

For the Raiders, the quarterback is Jay Schroeder, the opponents are the Broncos, the site is Denver, and the outlook is bleak.

Schroeder is in desperate need of a comeback.

The year is 1988.

Schroeder, newly arrived from the Washington Redskins in a controversial trade, was eager to prove himself in his Raider debut.

Particularly after the first half, when the Raiders fell behind, 24-0.

But Schroeder rallied his new teammates before a Monday night television audience, bringing the Raiders back to win, 30-27, in overtime, equaling the biggest comeback in team history.

Schroeder will be the starting quarterback again this evening, when the Raiders open the 1992 season at Mile High Stadium.

But this time, he takes the field in need of a comeback before the opening kickoff, a comeback from a dismal season during which he had 16 interceptions and only 15 touchdown passes.

With Schroeder hampered by sprained ankles, Todd Marinovich took his job for the last two games of the 1991 season.

Coach Art Shell has handed the job back to Schroeder, at least for now. Schroeder’s fortunes might rest on the man he will frequently be handing the ball to, tailback Eric Dickerson.

Obtained in an off-season trade, Dickerson was asked if he has ever started a season feeling so content. “Probably my rookie year, but I didn’t know any better,” the 32-year-old Dickerson replied.

Dickerson isn’t the only one thrilled at being in the Raider backfield.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Schroeder said. “When the defense has no idea what you’re doing, it opens up options. The defense can’t stop the run and the pass on the same play.”

The Broncos, defending champions of the AFC West, begin the season with grave concerns about their offensive line.

Center Keith Kartz is doubtful because of a calf injury, leaving Dave Widell to fill in.

And the left side of Denver’s offensive line has changed from a year ago. Veteran tackle Harvey Salem has been cut and left tackle Jeff Davidson has been moved to guard to make room for Russell Freeman, a free agent from Georgia Tech.

That puts heavy pressure on Freeman. As left tackle for the Broncos, he finds himself a key figure in protecting quarterback John Elway.

Said Bronco Coach Dan Reeves: “There is no question of concern because offensive lines are built around being familiar with each other and certainly that is not going to be the case. But these guys have got to get the job done.”

Assuming that offensive line holds up, Elway’s next problem will be finding someone to throw to.

Mark Jackson is not injured, but the Broncos’ receiving corps has been so beat up, Elway has been catching passes in practice. But not even John Elway can throw to himself.

So he will have to settle for what’s out there.

It won’t be Vance Johnson, who will be sidelined for at least six games because of an injured chest muscle. Nor will it be Michael Young, who will sit out half of the season after back surgery.

Derek Russell, recovered from a broken hand, will join Jackson as the other wide receiver. Clarence Kay, the tight end, has a knee injury, but is listed as probable.

Denver also re-signed Ricky Nattiel last week. Nattiel, a former Bronco, went to Tampa Bay, but was cut by the Buccaneers.

Jay Schroeder knows how he feels.

Raider Notes

Running back Marcus Allen, suffering from a bruised foot, is listed as questionable. If he plays, he will back up Steve Smith at fullback and might also be used on third-down and goal-line plays.

Safety Eddie Anderson and tight end Andrew Glover, who have leg injuries, are listed as probable. Defensive tackle Chester McGlockton, the team’s No. 1 draft choice, is definitely sidelined. He has a foot injury. . . . Denver probably will be without safety Steve Atwater, a key figure in its secondary. He is listed as doubtful because of a sprained left ankle. . . . Raider defensive end Greg Townsend, who ended his holdout Friday, was not activated.